Turpan

View from a train window near Turpan, China. Instead of flying across the country I rode 'the Iron Rooster' more than 5000km from Shenzhen to Wulumuchi (Urumqi) and will continue on to Kashi (Kashgar) in a few days. Taking the train is extremely enjoyable, and the people you meet are the kindest, friendliest and most hospitable of any in the world. Spending four days (with a 3 hours in Xi'an and 7 hours in Lanzhou) beats the socks off a five hour flight!